Fake Lawyer Promising Cheap Visas Dupes Farrangs

Beware of Thai guys approaching you in a bar offering cheap work permits.

Seems like obvious advice, but apparently wasn’t so obvious for an American and Italian, who are out a total 74,000 baht after being scammed by career grifter Pairoj Kanchanarat, 50.

Pairoj was arrested in Nonthaburi Friday and charged again with fraud after falsely claiming to be a lawyer that can help farrangs get immigration papers and work permits.

The unidentified American told police he paid Pairoj 25,000 and, in return, was to be given a permanent resident permit, which normally takes at least three years, requires you be married, have invested at least 3 million baht in the country or work in a qualified position or can be considered an expert in your field.

The Italian victim has less-lofty goals, but had to pay more for the supposed work permit Pairoj could deliver: 49,000 baht.

Police said Pairoj has been running similar scams for 10 years, targeting foreigners in bars and nightlife areas in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Korat and Hua Hin.